Secrets

"So… where to?" Jason asked as they walked through the academy gates.

"Hmm… how about my place? But you're cooking," Lisandra said, flashing him a mischievous grin.

"...Deal." Jason sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets as he walked forward casually.

"Wait… you can cook?" Angelica asked, suddenly hugging him from behind.

"What the—?!" Jason yelped, nearly stumbling before managing to regain his balance just in time.

"Angelica, this is a public place. Can you not embarrass us with your stupidity?" Lisandra folded her arms, shooting her a stern look.

"Oh, loosen up, girl. It's not like he's your fiancé or anything," Angelica shot back, not even sparing Lisandra a glance, her arms still wrapped tightly around Jason's neck.

"Tsk…" Lisandra clicked her tongue, then muttered under her breath, "Not yet, that is."

"Sooo? Can you really cook?" Angelica asked, her voice teasing as she leaned closer to Jason. The intoxicating scent of her perfume enveloped him, making his face heat up.

"Y-yeah, I know a thing or two about cooking," he answered, though a bit hesitantly.

"Wow, is there anything you can't do, my love?" Angelica laughed, pressing her ample chest against his back, making it impossible for him to ignore.

"Stop that, you bitch!" Ashley finally snapped, unable to hold back any longer.

"Oh? Getting jealous, are we?" Angelica smirked, tilting her head. "Wait, don't tell me… you're feeling insecure because of…" She trailed off deliberately, but Ashley had already caught on.

"SHUT UP! You think those useless masses of flesh make you better than me?!" Ashley practically screamed.

"Well~ Jason is a man, last time I checked. Why don't we ask him what he really prefers?" Angelica leaned in, her voice silky smooth as she whispered into Jason's ear.

"How about it, Jason? Do you prefer big, bouncy melons or… tiny, barely-there ones?" Her grin widened as a vein popped on Ashley's forehead.

Jason swallowed hard, sensing imminent danger. "O-of course, I prefer the hug—" He stopped himself just in time, his survival instincts kicking in. "BOTH! As an honorable man, I see no difference between big or small! What truly matters is the heart!" He declared with a resolute expression.

Ashley smirked, satisfied with his response.

"So, you do prefer bigger hearts, then?" Angelica pressed on, her tone laced with amusement.

Ashley clenched her fists, about to launch at Angelica when—

"Guys…?"

The sudden voice made them all pause. They turned to see Anna standing there, her expression unreadable.

"What's wrong?" Lisandra asked, sensing something off about her.

Anna had been unusually silent throughout their entire conversation—even ignoring Angelica's usual shameless flirting with Jason, which was unheard of.

"I… I don't feel well," Anna said softly. "I think I'll head back to my apartment."

They all frowned, exchanging glances. It wasn't uncommon for students to live outside the dormitories if they could afford it. That wasn't what felt strange.

It was her.

She looked uncomfortable—distressed, even. Like she was holding something in, struggling to keep it together.

And that silence of hers…

It was anything but normal.

"Are you really alright?" Jason's usual shyness faded, replaced by concern and seriousness as he stepped toward her. He took her hands gently, searching her face for answers.

"Yeah, I just need some rest," she reassured him. He held her gaze for a long moment before finally nodding.

"Alright… How about I drop you off?" he offered, but she shook her head.

Her refusal sent a ripple of surprise through everyone present—even Jason. Though he masked it well, he knew something was off.

"No, it's fine. I can manage," she insisted, her voice steady as she stepped away, leaving them stunned.

Meanwhile, Angelica had been watching in silence, her sharp eyes following every subtle movement.

"Interesting," she murmured, her mind rapidly piecing together possibilities.

"Good day, miss. How can I assist you?" the receptionist at the luxurious hotel greeted her with a polite smile.

The place was the very embodiment of wealth—golden chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a soft glow over the grand hall. Guests moved about—some checking in, others checking out, while a few simply lingered in the opulent surroundings. The one thing they all had in common? They were rich.

"Room 532. I checked in with a young man this morning," she stated.

The receptionist scanned the records, her professional demeanor intact—until she saw the name. Her eyes widened slightly before she quickly composed herself.

"Your name, please?"

"Annabelle Liana Estellia."

Recognition flashed across the receptionist's face before she quickly retrieved the key.

"Oh, here it is," she said, handing it over with a polite smile.

Anna turned to leave but hesitated. "By the way… Did the young man request anything?"

The receptionist glanced at the records. "Aside from the chemicals and herbs he ordered this morning, no, ma'am. Nothing else."

"I see." Anna exhaled quietly before adding, "Bring me your menu."

Rather than direct her to the restaurant staff, the receptionist immediately nodded and left. No one wanted to risk offending an Estellia.

With a sigh, Anna rubbed her forehead.

"I swear, I'll kill you one way or another," she muttered under her breath.

Ding-dong.

The doorbell rang.

"Who is it?" a voice called from within.

Anna glanced around to make sure no one was watching.

"…It's me," she answered softly. Then, after a brief pause, she added, "…Master."

From inside the room, a slow grin spread across the man's face.

"Come in."